Course Title: Criminal Investigation Number: CJE 2600 Reference #: 763212 CJE 2600 SYLLABUS Credits: 3 Credit Hours Term: Fall Term 2012/13 (August 27 December 21, 2012 [Last day of classes Friday, December 14, 2012]) Schedule: MW 9:50 a.m. 11:05 p.m. Room: 9107 North Campus Instructor Information Dr. Elizabeth C. Buchholz, Assistant Professor School of Justice, Criminal Justice Office Hours: Mon. & Wed., 6:55 a.m. 8:25 a.m.; 12:40 p.m. 2:40 p.m. Room 9117 Office: 305/237-1873 Cell Phone: 786/361-9350 (Follow prompts.) Email: ebuchhol@mdc.edu Alternate Email: dr.ebuchholz@gmail.com Web Page: http://faculty.mdc.edu/ebuchhol When you email please put CJE2600-Your Name- Reason for email; e.g., Question or Essay in the subject line. Please do not send a question/issue as a reply to unrelated emails I send you! TEXTBOOK(S) Title: Criminal Investigation Author: Swanson, Chamelin, Territo, & Taylor Edition 11th ISBN : 9780078111525 Publisher: McGraw-Hill Copyright Date: 2012 http://shop.mcgrawhill.com/mhshop/search?searchvalue=9780078111525 Student Resources: http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/sites/0078111528/student_view0/index.html You must obtain the book and read the assigned chapters in order to be able to participate in class discussions. Course Description: 0
This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of a criminal investigation from discovery of the crime through the trial of the suspect. Individual crimes are broken down to show the elements that must be met for a conviction to take place. The history of criminal investigations is explored which traces its roots back to England, as does our legal system. The latest in crime scene technology is explained. Interviews and interrogation techniques are examined and practices. Crimes against persons and crimes against property are visited, as is the techniques for investigating these crimes. Ballistics and firearms are demonstrated and their forensic value evaluated. Investigations of terrorist crimes are examined and investigative techniques are explored. GRADING POLICY Attendance/Participation = 10% Assignments = 20% Exam 1 = 23% Exam 2 = 23% Final Exam = 24% Pop Quizzes 1% (each)* 100% *This percentage will be subtracted from the Exams percentage. I DO NOT ROUND GRADES UP AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER (e.g., 88 or 89 to a 90). Grading Breakdown A 90 to 100 B 80 to 89 C 70 to 79 D 60 to 69 F 59 and below Absences / Days Present / Grade* 0 / 30 = 100 6 / 24 = 80 12 / 18 = 60 1 / 29 = 97 7 /23 = 77 13 / 17 = 57 2 / 28 = 93 8 / 22 = 73 14 / 16 = 53 3 / 27 = 90 9 / 21 = 70 15 / 15 = 50 4 / 26 = 87 10 / 20 = 67 15+ = 0 5 / 25 = 83 11 / 19 = 63 *This does not include participation or tardiness. 6 tardies = 1 absence 2
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Deviation from Syllabus: Occasionally deviation from the syllabus may occur. Students will be advised of any deviation(s). Please check your email frequently. DATE WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Assignments Week 1 August 26/28, 2013 Introduction Discuss syllabus (email) Introductions Chapter 1 Evolution of CI and Forensic Science Read Chapter 1 Last Day to Drop 8/30 Week 2 September 2/4, 2013 (Holiday Monday) NO SCHOOL MONDAY Chapter 2 Legal Aspects of Investigation Read Ch. 2 Week 3 September 9/11, 2013 Week 4 September 16/18, 2013 Week 5 September 23/25, 2013 Week 6 Sep. 30/Oct. 2, 2013 Week 7 October 7/9, 2013 Week 8 October 14/16, 2013 Week 9 October 21/23, 2013 Chapter 3 Investigators, the Investigative Read Ch. 3 Process, and the Crime Scene Chapter 4 Physical Evidence Read Ch. 4 Chapter 5 Interviewing and Interrogation Read Ch. 5 Chapter 5 Interviewing and Interrogation (continued) EXAM 1 (Wednesday) Chapter 7 Follow-up Investigations Chapter 9 Injury and Death Investigations Chapter 9 Injury and Death Investigations (continued) Read Ch. 7 Read Ch. 9 Read Ch. 10 Chapter 10 Sex Related Offenses Read Ch. 1 HW #1 DUE: Go to the interactive website and answer all of the questions below.** This may be a little time consuming, but I think you'll enjoy it. Click on the icons for it to work. Don't skip the introduction. Autopsy of a Murder 3
Week 10 October 28/30, 2013 Chapter 10 Sex Related Offenses (continued) Week 11 November 4/6, 2013 Week 12 November 11/13, 2013 (Holiday Monday) Chapter 11 Crimes Against Children EXAM 2 (Wednesday) NO SCHOOL MONDAY Chapter 11 Crimes Against Children (cont d) Chapter 12 Human Trafficking Read Ch. 11 Last Day to WD 11/6 Read Ch. 12 Week 13 November 18/20, 2013 Chapter 12 Human Trafficking (cont d) Read Ch. 12 Week 14 November 25/27, 2013 (Holiday Thursday/Friday) Chapter 13 Robbery (time permitting) Read Ch. 13 HW #2 DUE: Read the below listed article.** Week 15 December 2/4, 2013 Chapter 14 Burglary (time permitting) Read Ch. 14 Week 16 December 9/11, 2013 Week 17 December 18, 2013 Student Feedback Forms will be completed. Catch-up Final Exam+ Wednesday December 11, 2013 9:50 am 11:20 am Final Exam week Wednesday December 18, 2013 9:50 am 11:20 am Last Day of Classes December 13 + Exam date will be determined based upon the progress of the class. *Schedule subject to and will likely change! 4
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**Homework Assignment #1** The following website, Autopsy of a Murder, is an interactive website that discusses various types of evidence found at a crime scene, how it is collected, and how it is tested at a crime lab. Autopsy of a Murder Go to this website and click on the various tabs and see what you learn. From the Crime Scene tab: (1) As the lead investigator, what would be the first steps you would take at the crime scene? (2) What pieces of evidence have been identified? (3) What is the significance of this evidence? (4) What else might you look for (other evidence)? (5) How can these clues lead to the killer? Answer the following: (6) What is a Polilight? (7) What is Bertillonage (8) What is the Water Tank used for? (9) Who are the pioneers of forensics (5)? (10) What was their individual contribution? BE SPECIFIC. EXPLAIN. Have fun exploring the site! **Homework Assignment #2** Read "The 21st-Centry Slave Trade," then answer the following questions: What should the United States' role be in human trafficking? Should the U.S. get involved in other countries affairs? Write a 3 to 4-page response, grammatically correct, analyzing the topic. Use an actual example of a current event to illustrate (document your source; e.g., Miami Herald). Use scholarly resources and DO NOT plagiarize/copy & paste! NY Times Article These links may also help you answer the question: Awareness Fact Sheet ü The paper should contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Hint: The introduction states your thesis or the purpose of the paper. Organize your body paragraphs to include a main idea, which is then developed or illustrated by support evidence. The conclusion is a restatement of your thesis. ü There should be a minimum of three (3) scholarly reference citations. 6
CJE2600-Criminal Investigation-Course Learning Objectives: 1. To develop an understanding of criminal offenses 2. To examine investigative techniques. 3. To learn the elements of a crime. 4. To examine new technology that is use at the crime scene. 5. To learn the history of criminal investigations. School of Justice Learning Objectives: 1. DATA a. Use data to support Criminal Justice Policy Development 2. CULTURE a. Create strategies to examine Cultural Beliefs about Right and Wrong 3. ETHICS a. Effects of Ethical Decisions on Professional Behavior 4. COMMUNICATION a. Communicating differences about Crime Control and Due Process 5. LOGICAL REASONING a. Use Logical Reasoning to Improve the Criminal Justice system Learning Outcomes: This class will fulfill several of these learning outcomes. As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to: 1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data. 3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning. 4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives. 6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society. 8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively. 9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities. 10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment. Instructional Methods In this course, we will use the textbook, videos, films, newspapers and Internet articles to analyze and discuss human behavior as it relates to serial murder in all of its social, cultural, and legal complexity. We will also use several other mediums to help place emphasis on certain topics. These include PowerPoint presentations and guest lecturers. Every student is expected to have an active email address. Please make sure that you create an account on the student portal. The web address to this portal is https://www.mdc.edu/sis/ 7
The student portal is where you need to update your contact information, including your email address. My student rosters are linked to the information in your portal. This is the email address where all your notes and other important information will be sent. Class Policies Attendance and Participation Participation and collaboration are a major part of this course. Attendance is required in order to fulfill the competencies of this course. o It is expected that every student attend and participate in every class session. o Attendance will be taken and each student must respond to roll/sign in at each scheduled class session. IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO ROLL/SIGN IN YOU ARE CONSIDERED ABSENT. o Overall attendance and participation are worth 10% of your total grade. o PLEASE NOTE: I reserve the right to deduct points from this grade based on a lack of participation, students arriving late or leaving early, and students being unprepared for class. (You must make prior arrangements with me if you have a personal issue.) I reserve the right to assign a 0 for attendance for arrivals 15 minutes after first/second half of class start time. o If you are not in attendance during a class session you will receive a 0 for attendance and participation that day (excused or unexcused absence). o I do not excuse absences except under the following circumstances (with documentation) at my discretion: Preapproved military obligations Jury duty You are in the hospital o This does NOT include any unanticipated or so-called emergencies, doctor/dentist appointments, family member/child ill, parent-teacher conferences, car trouble, weather, traffic court, court appearance, etc. Please do not ask me to excuse absences. o If you are going to miss a class please email me at ebuchhol@mdc.edu o It is your obligation to contact another student in this course for the material missed during that class session. Tardiness: o Each student is expected to arrive on time. Class starts at 9:50 a.m. sharp! o Three (6) tardies will be counted as one (1) absence. In compliance with State and Federal Financial Aid Regulations, class rolls will be purged to remove students who do not abide by the above stated attendance policy. Students must appear on the official class roll as registered and paid; if not, you may not remain in this class. You need to go to Registration for processing and advising. Drop Date Each student is responsible to officially drop this class within the allotted time. The last day to drop/change your classes and receive a 100% refund for this semester is August 30, 2013. Last day to withdraw (W) is November 6, 2013. Please refer to the College s Academic Calendar for verification. 8
Please let me know if you decide to drop the class. Behavior o During class all electronic devices must be turned off and put away. If I observe use of any electronic equipment during class your participation grade will be lowered for that day. Observed cell phone and/or electronic equipment usage during an examine will result in your exam being collected and a 0 for that exam. o You are expected to conduct yourself properly at all times. Please refer to the College s Code of Conduct which is available at http://www.mdcc.edu/pdf/procedures o Please respect all others in this class, including the instructor and your classmates. o Please always respect yourself while in this class. Refrain from using vulgarities or discriminating terms while in this class. o There is a zero tolerance policy on any academic dishonesty. If you are caught plagiarizing or cheating on any assignment or exam it will result in an automatic 0. Further sanctions can also be taken by the college. Please see your Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further information on Academic Dishonesty. Assignments/Exams-Missed/Make Up o All assignments should be submitted on the due date, whether you are present in class or not (electronic submission requires prior approval). You may also submit your assignments before the due date. o Late work will not be accepted. I reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy. o EXAMS: If you are going to be absent for an exam, you must receive prior approval to retake the exam; or, if an emergency arises and you are not able to take the exam, you must provide documentation. 10% will be deducted from the test score of exams taken after the test date. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me to make up the exam. I reserve the right to not allow students to retake an exam. o Any in-class group assignments cannot be made up. Grades for in-class assignments are only awarded to students who are in class on the day of the assignment. Writing Assignments o MUST: ü be typed. ü be Times New Roman, 12 point font, black. ü double-spaced. ü be properly cite sources that you used (APA format). ü include a separate cover page and references page for sources used. ü include your name, the course, the title of assignment, and the date. ü be written in paragraph format, with complete sentences, and be grammatically correct. ü reflect critical thinking. o Are worth 20 percentage points of your final grade. 9
o Plagiarism will not be tolerated. o Please keep a copy of all your written assignments. If I am not able to locate an assignment that you claim to have submitted, you are responsible to provide another copy. Visit my Web page for help with APA: http://faculty.mdc.edu/ebuchhol Available Services Writing Center Academic Support Center Room 2209 Building 2, Second Floor (305) 237-1630 This department will help you revise and edit your paper. Also, they are a great resource for questions regarding grammar, structure, and MLA format. If you are not the best writer, please stop by the writing center for help with your Term Paper. http://www.mdc.edu/wolfson/departments/english/writing_center.htm ACCESS Services Room 6112 Building 6, First Floor (305) 237-1272 Students with documented disabilities who qualify can receive such services as tutoring, note-taking, interpreting, technology training and other assistance they might need. This is an excellent resource. Single Stop Room 1119-B Building 1, First Floor (305) 237-1444 "One Stop Shop" for students to get connected to benefits. Free benefits screening, free financial counseling, free legal assistance, free tax preparation services, and mentoring. Obtain at least two other students contact information in case you miss the class: 1. Student Name Phone Number Email Address 2. Student Name Phone Number Email Address 10
Internet Websites: Biometrics: http://www.biometriccoe.gov Genomics: http://genomics.energy.gov CSI Investigators Network: www.crime-scene-investigator.net High-tech Products: www.3rdtech.com High-tech Cameras: www.panoscan.com FBI Scientific Working Groups: FBI_SWGs Forensic Entomology: www.forensicentomology.com Eyewitness Identification:www.eyewitness.utep.edu/consult04A.html Poisoning: www.portfolio.mvm.ed.ac.uk/studentwebs/session2/group12/20th.htm NCJRS Web site: https://www.ncjrs.gov/ SIDS: www.sidscenter.org 11